Aboriginal Lands Trust

The Aboriginal Lands Trust ( ALT ) was established by the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (AAPA Act). This Act also established the AAPA that is now known as the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

The ALT became responsible for the administration of lands previously held by the Native Welfare Department and a number of other State government agencies. There are also lands that remain registered in the name of the AAPA. Additionally, as a part of the effective management of the estate, the ALT undertakes strategic land acquisitions.

The Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) provides advice to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on ALT land issues. The ALT is a significant landholder with responsibility for approximately 27 million hectares or 12% of the State's land. This land comprises different tenures including, reserves, leases and freehold properties. A significant proportion of this land comprises reserves that have Management Orders with the ALT (generally having the power to lease), with their purposes mostly being for "the use and benefit of Aboriginal inhabitants".

    ALT Members

ALT Strategic Plan

The strategic plan guides the ALT, the Land Branch and stakeholders to achieve professional, practical and informed management of the ALT estate for Aboriginal people in Western Australia. The plan is subject to periodic review to ensure that it remains contemporary and relevant.

    Strategic Plan - 2004 - 2007

ALT Policies and Guidelines

    Policies

    Burials

    Commercial Opportunities

    Land Transfer

    Land Use and Development

    Leasing

    Local Government Charges

    Water Charges

Functions and Structure of the ALT

The ALT is constituted under section 20 of the AAPA Act.  Its functions are set out in Section 23. These include:

1. To acquire and hold land and to use and manage that land for the benefit of persons of Aboriginal descent.
2. To ensure that the use and management of the land held by the ALT, or for which the ALT is in any manner responsible, shall accord with the wishes of the Aboriginal inhabitants of the area so far as that can be ascertained and is practicable.
3. To consult, negotiate, enter into financial arrangements, contract, and to undertake or administer projects, either directly or in association with other persons or bodies, as may be necessary or desirable for the development of the land for which the ALT is responsible.
4. Generally, on behalf of and as the corporate entity representing the interests of the Aboriginal inhabitants of the area to which the matter relates, to take, instigate or support any action that may be required to ensure the most beneficial use of the land.

The Minister appoints the ALT chairperson and members. All members must be Aboriginal people.

Following a review of the ALT governance and business processes in late 2003, appointments to the Trust have been made on the basis of demonstrated capacities in one or more of the following:
- Land and Sea Management
- Indigenous Business and Economic Development
- Indigenous Housing and Infrastucture Development

For more information, contact the ALT Executive Officer on (08) 9235 8000.